System, Components and Method of a Functional Fire Starter tool

ABSTRACT

A new and useful fire starter system, method and system components are that can be transported by a person (e.g. a hiker) in the wilderness and used to start a fire for that person.

RELATED APPLICATION/CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is related to and claims the priority of provisionalApplication No. 62/125,118, filed Jan. 14, 2015, and entitledBuckle-lite fire starter kit, now renamed: R.A.S.C.A.L. (Rapid ActionSmart Concealed Alternative Lighter), which provisional application isincorporated by reference herein.

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Heretofore the usual method in early times, percussion fire making wasoften used to start fires. Before the advent of steel, a variety of ironpyrite was used with flint and other stones to produce ahigh-temperature spark that could be used to create fire, there areindication that “iceman” may have used iron pyrite to make fire from theiron age forward, until the invention of the friction match the use offlint and steel was a common method of fire-lighting. Percussionstarting was prevalent in Europe during ancient times, the Middle Agesand the Viking age. When flint and steel were used, the fire steel wasoften kept in a metal tinderbox together with flint and tinder.

In Japan, percussion fire-making was performed, using agate or quartz.It was also used as a ritual to bring good luck or ward off evil.Besides using flint with the steel, many other hard, non-porous rockscan be used, that can take a sharp edge, such as chert, jasper orchalcedony.

The sharp edge of the flint is used to strike the fire steel at an acuteangle. With practice, small pieces of steel are shaved off the firesteel. The friction of shaving the steel off the fire steel and thepyrophoricity of the steel heats the pieces to a molten state.Char-cloth or amadou (tinder fungus), is sometimes used as tinder withflint and steel to catch the low-temperature sparks, which can then canbe brought to other tinder and blown into flame. However many woodsmenof previous centuries had to do without charred cloth or fire fungus andkept charred plant material in their tinderboxes.

Comparison with ferrous-cerium: Flint and steel used to strike sparkswere superseded by Ferrous cerium, this man-made material, when scrapedwith any hard, sharp edge, produces sparks that are much hotter thanobtained with natural flint and steel, allowing use of a wider range oftinder. Because it can produce sparks when wet and can start hundreds orthousands of fires when used correctly, ferrous-cerium is commonlyincluded in survival kit.

Survival kit are been used for a long period of time, these gadgets andtools have been carried for a person or group of persons, individuallyor in group;

New adaptations and modifications had been given, resulting in thecreation of new survival gadgets. Always in the search of perfection andreliability; the most reliable way is that they can be carried all thetime along with the person, a good reason to start making them lighterand smaller; Then after, these survival tools became personal items. Onemain and the most important, as well, considered the most valuableelement of any survival kit is the Fire Starter Kit.

They have been around since ancient times, these personal item with atouch of ornament, carry by a person, more specifically in pouches,saddle bag, nosebag, haversack and satchels, has been a crucial elementof survival.

Over time materials, sizes and design used to build fire starter kitshave changed and new improvements and adaptations have been applied inorder to make them more reliable, manageable, and easy to carry.

Now the new method of starting a fire, it is with the use offerrous-cerium rod, commonly call it ferro-rod; And a piece of metalcalled “scraper” or “striker”, this method begin by holding both pieceswith both hand; In one hand holding the ferro-rod by the handle and theother hand holding the striker, then, proceeding to place one sharp edgeof the striker to the nearest end of the ferro-rod, then moving themetal piece (striker) forward while plying some pressure (scraping) overthe ferro-rod all the way to the opposite end of the ferro-rod, with theresult of the creation of sparks which initiate the combustion of thefuel to produce fire. Once the fire starter has been used and need it nomore; The method to storage it, is variable, can be put it away in apouch, in the pockets, hang it on backpacks, on loops, as a necklace andeven in a bracelet. Since the most commune design of all are: one pieceof ferro-rod (flint) with a piece of metal or plastic in one end thatworks as a handle (which provides a grip) and the striker both are tiedtogether with a piece of cord by their correspondent orifice; After allthis procedures, it is necessary to keep it on sight and know where hasbeen storage it, by the time you need it, the worst case scenario wouldbe losing it, or forget to place it along with the preparedness.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method,component and system for a fire starter kit which avoids the abovementioned objections, and, in particular, which it refers to misplaceand/or lost sight of fire starter, as well, the ferro-rod's handle, thatis part of the fire starter kit, which does not provides a strong gripand for the same reason doesn't provide a steady position.

The present invention relates to a new and useful fire starter structurethat can be transported by a person (e.g. a hiker) in the wilderness andused to start a fire for that person. The invention also comprises amethod for use in the wilderness for starting a fire.

The fire starter structure comprises a support member configured forattachment to a piece of outdoor gear (e.g. a hiking boot), and thesupport member is coupled with fire starter elements that include a rodthat is designed to produce sparks for initiating a fire and a strikerfor applying friction to the rod to produce sparks. A pouch with tinderis also carried by the outdoor gear, and the support member can bedetached from the piece of outdoor gear and the fire starter elementsand the tinder utilized to initiate a fire.

The fire starter structure preferably comprises a clip for attachment tothe laced portion of the piece of the hiking boot, the rod is integrallyconnected with the clip, the striker is held against the clip by aretention device (e.g. a chord) that overlies the clip and the striker,and the pouch is coupled with the clip by means of the retention device(e.g. by an extension of the chord). The chord is at least partiallywrapped about a portion of the laced portion of the hiking boot. Thetinder comprises a mass of tinder material and one or more tindersticks, and wherein the pouch is configured to protect the tinder fromenvironment conditions external to the hiking boot.

In a method according to a preferred form of the present invention, thesupport member and the chord are configured to be separated from thepiece of footwear and formed into a handle for the rod, to facilitateits use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.

Thus, the present invention relates to a new useful system, method andcomponents of a portable device (preferably a functional fire startersystem) for helping a person to survive in certain different scenarioswhen the person find him/her self trapped in while performing someoutdoor activities, in a manner that is efficient and effective, and ina manner that is designed in a compact and low profile design, in amanner that is lightweight, comfortable and easy to carry, and a mannerthat is handy and helpful.

The present invention provides a system, system components and a methodfor helping and supporting a person to survive while performing someoutdoor activities. The components and system preferably include anAnchor-clip (preferably composed of one piece); a ferrous-cerium rodcoupled with the anchor-clip; A piece of cord (preferably a shock cord,also called “bungee cord”); A pouch (preferably made of fabric); Tindertabs; A piece of cord (preferably para-cord); And a piece of metal thatfunction as striker. The components and system are preferably formed ina single unit; and according into a preferred embodiment, this unit canbe coupled, attached or adapted to most shoe-lace or webbing system.

Still further, according to the preferred embodiment the fire starterparts mentioned above, that include one or more (and more preferablyall) are brief described below:

-   -   a. ANCHOR-CLIP: This element is the preferred version of the        support member and is useful in a manner that it is the base of        the whole system, is the element that supports and holds the        rest of all elements.    -   b. FERRO-ROD; This element is useful in a manner that is the one        who produce the sparks in order to initiate fire.    -   c. STRIKER: This element is useful in a manner that can be use        to produce the heat as result of the friction against the        ferro-rod, which in turn produces the sparks to initiate the        fire.    -   d. BUNGEE CORD: this element is the preferred version of the        retention device, is also known as shock cord, and element is        useful in a manner that can be used to hold and secure the        Striker with the Anchor.    -   e. POUCH: This element is useful in a manner that can be used to        hold and protect in its interior different elements, in this        specific case, can keep inside the tinder pack. a LABEL that is        coupled to pouch in order to display some information of        fire-starter.    -   f TINDER STICKS: These elements are useful in a manner that can        be used as a fuel to ignite some fire.    -   g. TINDER PACK: This element is useful I a manner that can be        used to hold and protect the tinder sticks, more preferably a        vacuum sealed bag.    -   h. CORD: or more preferably Para-cord, this element is useful in        a manner that can used to keep together the two major elements        that form the fire starter kit as one single unit.

According to one preferred form of the present invention, the firestarter has been designed in a manner that this device can be securelycoupled to shoes (e.g. hiking boots), by using one of the shoe laces andweaving it through the Anchor-clip's openings by interlacing them, andthus tie the Anchor-clip down to hold it in place among the shoe,providing a safe place where it can be storage and can't be misplacedit, as well, always at hand when is need it.

Other aspect of the preferred form of invention is, the Anchor-clip isweaved with the shoe's lace, and secured in place; the Bungee-cord hasone end (preferably a loop shape) that is coupled to the Anchor-clip'sbase (preferably the bottom edge), then using the other loose end of thebungee cord and passing it throughout the two orifices of the Striker,thereby secures, holds and keeps Striker in place, in which, theAnchor-clip, Bungee-cord and Striker in conjunction take form of aFire-starter kit all in one single, low-profile and practical unit.

One other aspect of the preferred form of the present invention, is thatthe Anchor-clip in conjunction with the Bungee-cord, can be used as ahandle; By grabbing and holding the Anchor-clip by its body with onehand and proceeding to wrap the Bungee-cord around the fingers(preferably index and middle fingers), then plying the thumb from thesame hand against the Anchor, this method provides a better, steady andstrong grip at the moment of scrapping the Striker against the Ferro-rod(in order to produce Sparks) that is coupled to one end the Anchor-clip;Saying this, the anchor-clip has two functions as an anchor as well as ahandle.

Another further object of the preferred form of the present invention,is that it has been designed to support some type of protective sheathin which, this sheath or Pouch holds and protects in its interiordifferent elements, in this specific case, keeps inside the Tinder tabswhich in turn are protected inside of a vacuum sealed bag; This Pouchcan be placed and secured down by using the shoe laces, in the same wayas the Anchor-clip is secure; Also, can be provide it, in this specificcase, with a piece of Para-cord, that is tied to the upper end of theAnchor-clip, and it runs underneath and through the shoe lace until iscoupled with the Pouch in which the cord function is to keep bothelements together, working as a one single, low-profile and concealedFire-starter kit unit.

Other aspect of the present invention will become apparently from thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawing andexhibits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND EXHIBITS

FIG. 1 is s a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which theFire-starter is formed, the shape of the Fire-starter in a mode forbeginners or amateurs, and some of the elements that make up theFire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which theFire-starter is formed, the shape of the Fire-starter in a mode forexperts called “Mountain man”. And some elements that make up theFire-starter, according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustration of the embodiment of thesystem, including the system components, and the method by which theFire-starter is formed; Which include Anchor-clip, Striker, Ferro-rodand Bungee cord;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustration of the embodiment of thesystem, including the system components, and the method by which theFire-starter is formed; Which include Anchor-clip, Striker, Ferro-rodand Bungee cord;

FIG. 5 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Bungee cord thatforms part of the embodiment of the system, and the method by which theFire-starter is formed;

FIG. 6 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Anchor-clip andFerro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the methodby which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Anchor-clip andFerro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the methodby which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view illustration of the Anchor-clip andFerro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the methodby which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 9 is a schematic back view illustration of the Anchor-clip andFerro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and the methodby which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 10 is a schematic right side view illustration of the Anchor-clipand Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and themethod by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 11 is a schematic left side view illustration of the Anchor-clipand Ferro-rod that form part of the embodiment of the system, and themethod by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 12 is a schematic upper view illustration of the Striker(preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, andthe method by which the Fire-starter is formed, which includes twoorifices situated each other apart at its correspondent ends of striker;

FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Striker(preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, andthe method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 14 is a schematic right side view illustration of the Striker(preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, andthe method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 15 is a schematic left side view illustration of the Striker(preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, andthe method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view illustration of the Striker(preferably metal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, andthe method by which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 17 is a schematic back view illustration of the Striker (preferablymetal) that forms part of the embodiment of the system, and the methodby which the Fire-starter is formed;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch(preferably fabric, which its function is to protect the tinder pack) asecond unit of Fire-starter is formed, the shape of the Pouch, and someof the elements like Hook & loop tabs, that make up the Fire-starter,according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch isreceiving the Tinder pack (preferably a vacuum sealed plastic bag) whichis part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the Pouch, and some of theelements that make up the Fire-starter, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch holdsand keeps the Tinder pack protected from outside elements (e.g.humidity) which is part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the Pouch,tinder pack and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter,according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the system,including the system components, and the method by which the Pouch isshowing in a total folded position in order to protect the Tinder packwhich is part of the Fire-starter, the shape of the pouch, Hook & Looptabs, Label and some of the elements that make up the Fire-starter,according with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic isometric illustration of the Ferro-rod, and someothers elements of the assembly, according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration showing how the system componentsand method provide a fast, efficient and and easy way to provide andutilize the fire starter structure of the invention to ignite, light andmaintain a fire, in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot with the firestarter structure coupled therewith.

Exhibits A, B and C are a series of photographs showing the manner inwhich a Fire-starter's prototype, according to the invention, is formand used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, one aspect of the present invention relates to a newand useful structure and method and components of a portable firestarter system for helping a person to survive in certain situations atdifferent scenarios which the person may encounter, while performingoutdoor activities. The invention is designed to be efficient andeffective, designed in a compact and a low profile design, and isdesigned to be lightweight comfortable and easy to carry it, in a mannerthat is handy and helpful. The principles of the invention are describedherein in connection with a Fire-starter system and method can be usedwith outdoor gear such as a hiking boot (FIG. 24), and from thatdescription, the manner in which the principles of the invention can beapplied to various types of outdoor gear e.g. a “webbing strap system”(this new fashion is a series of straps sewn to any outdoor pack: mostlyback packs and pouches) will be apparent to these in the art.

As illustrated in the figures, a system according to the inventionincludes a Fire-starter system (or assembly) i that is primarily formedby two assemblies, 1 and 2 of various components: Assembly (1):including the anchor-clip (05), having a coupled ferro-rod (10). astriker (15) that is hold down by preferably a bungee cord (20) Assembly(2): including the pouch (25), having a tinder pack (40) inside, tindersticks (45), closure device (30) more preferably Hook & loop otherelement is a label (50) more preferably at front face of the pouch (25).As shown in FIG. 22, the assemblies 1 and 2 are preferably coupled witha hiking boot.

As described above the present invention relates to a new and usefulsystem, system components and method, some of the components or elementsof the Fire-starter (i) can be used separately or in conjunction,depending on the ability or experience of the person who is using it.Assembly (1) can be use it independently from assembly (2), if theperson is consider with some experience in the field; By using theFerro-rod (10) that is coupled with the anchor-clip (5), as well thebungee cord (20) that can be wrapped around his/her finger to excel abetter steady hold, and by scraping off the Striker (15) over theferro-rod (10) he/her can produce some fire.

A person who has no experience at all, in order to light some fire, itmight have to use the assembly (1) in conjunction with assembly (2) toincrease the possibility of create fire; By using the tinder pack (40)which is inside of Pouch (25) and using one single tinder stick (45) andunbraiding one end to separate and expose the strand in order to capturemore sparks from Ferro-rod (10), and then inserting the opposite end ofthe tinder stick (45) between the elements bungee cord (20) andAnchor-clip (5), more specifically at the base of the Anchor-clip (5) insome way that the unbraided end of the tinder stick (45) can makecontact with Ferro-rod (10), in order to capture most of the sparksproduced by the action of scraping the Striker (15) over Ferro-rod (10).Following this method in which by using both, assembly (1) and assembly(2), an inexperienced person can ease the effort and increase thepossibility to light and maintain some campfire.

As described above, FIG. 1 illustrates some of the components orelements that are part of the Fire-starter (i) that is showing in a fulldisplay. The components are: Anchor-clip (5) this element is one of themain components of assembly (1), in which functions as the base of thesystem, it holds and keeps in place the rest of the elements of assembly(1), also functions as a handle for the Ferro-rod (10) to perform itsjob in an easy way. Other elements are:

-   a. Ferro-rod (10) this element is useful in a manner that can be    used to produce the sparks that ignite the fire.-   b. Bungee cord (20) This element is useful in a manner that can be    used to wrap secure and hold in place the next element:-   c. Striker (15) This element is useful in a manner that can be used    as a scraper to Shave off a particle of the steel that exposes iron    which reacts with oxygen from atmosphere and can ignite the proper    tinder-   d. Pouch (25) This element is useful in a manner that is one of the    main components of Assembly (2), its function is to keep and protect    its content inside from outside environment elements (e. g.    humidity, dust, etc.)-   e. Hook and Loop (30) These elements are useful in a manner that can    be used as some type of closure that keeps the Pouch (25) folded and    closed, in order to maintain inside its content well secured.-   f. Cord (35) or more preferably Para-cord, this element is useful in    a manner that can be used to keep together the two major elements of    the system (Assembly 1 and Assembly 2) that conform the fire starter    kit (i) as a one single unit. Also to tie the Striker (15) in order    to increase its stability while performing its job.-   g. Label (50) This element is useful in a manner that can be used to    display some information about the Fire-starter (i) system    (logotype, a company name, personal name, instructions, etc.) more    preferably attached to the front of the Pouch (25).-   h. At least two orifices (55) each other apart at the correspondent    ends of striker-   i. Serrated side (60) and sharp side (65).

FIG. 2. Is schematic isometric illustration of the configuration ofassembly (1), in a passive position, according to the present invention.The system comprises the following components: Anchor-clip (05) thiselement is useful in a manner that it is the base of the whole system,is the element that supports and holds the rest of all elements.Ferro-rod (10) this element is useful in a manner that is the one whoproduces the sparks in order to light the fire. Bungee cord (20) thiselement is useful in a manner that can be use to wrap, to secure andhold in place the next element: Striker (15) in which this element isuseful in a manner that can be used as a scrape to shave off a particlethat exposes iron which reacts with oxygen and can ignite the propertinder. Orifice (55) this element is useful in a manner that can be usedto hold in place the Striker (15), serrated side (60) and Sharp side(65) these elements are useful in a manner that can be used to scrap theFerro-rod (10) and other tasks.

FIG. 3. Is a schematic front view of the configuration of assembly (1),illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of theFire-starter (i), these are: Anchor-clip (05), Ferro-rod (10), Striker(15) and Bungee cord (20). Their functions are mentioned above.

FIG. 4. Is a schematic side view of the configuration of assembly (1),illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of theFire-starter (i), these are: Anchor-clip (05), Ferro-rod (10), Striker(15) and Bungee cord (20). There functions are mentioned above.

FIG. 5. Is a schematic upper view of the Bungee cord (20), showing itsform and its function is mentioned above.

FIG. 6. Is a schematic upper view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05)and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentionedabove (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 7. Is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05)and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentionedabove (FIGS. 1 and 2)

FIG. 8. Is a schematic front view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05)and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentionedabove (FIGS. 1 and 2)

FIG. 9. Is a schematic back view illustration of the Anchor-clip (05)and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions are mentionedabove (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 10. Is a schematic right side view illustration of the Anchor-clip(05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions arementioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 11. Is a schematic left side view illustration of the Anchor-clip(05) and Ferro-rod (10) and their configuration and functions arementioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 12. Is a schematic upper view illustration of the Striker (15)showing theorifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp side (65),according to the present invention, configuration and functions arementioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 13. Is a schematic bottom view illustration of the Striker (15)showing theorifices (55), serrated side (60) and sharp side (65),according to the present invention, configuration and functions arementioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 14. Is a schematic right side view illustration of the Striker (15)showing the serrated side (60), according to the present invention,configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 15. Is a schematic left side view illustration of the Striker (15)showing the orifices (55), and sharp side (65), according to the presentinvention configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and2).

FIG. 16. Is a schematic front view illustration of the Striker (15)showing the orifice (55), according to the present invention,configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 17. Is a schematic back view illustration of the Striker (15)showing the orifice (55), according to the present invention,configuration and functions are mentioned above (FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 18. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in open orunfolded position, displaying some other elements: Hook and Loop (30) inwhich these elements are useful in a manner that can be use as some typeof closure that keeps the Pouch (25) folded and closed, in order toprotect its content well secured, according to the present invention.

FIG. 19. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in semi foldedposition, where the elements Hook and Loop (30) are present, as wellshowing the Tinder pack (40) that it is been insert inside the Pouch(25) in order to protect the Tinder pack (40) from not to be misplaced,Tinder pack (40) is useful in a manner that it is designed to protectand preserve its content, (more preferably a vacuum sealed bag),according to the present invention.

FIG. 20. Is schematic illustration of the Pouch (25), in semi foldedposition, where the elements Hook and Loop (30) are present, as wellshowing the Tinder pack (40), that is inside the Pouch (25) in order toprotect the Tinder pack (40) from not to be misplaced, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 21. Is schematic isometric illustration of the Assembly (2) showingsome of the elements as: Pouch (25), in folded position, Hook and Loop(30) are showing how they keep the Pouch (25) tightly closed. Otherelement showed is the Label (50), this element is useful, in a manner,that can be used to display some information about the Fire-starter (i)(logotype, a company name, instructions, etc.) more preferably attachedto the front face of the Pouch (25), according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic isometric illustration of the Ferro-rod (10), andsome others elements of the Assembly (1): showing the Anchor-clip (05)working in conjunction with Bungee cord (20), both elements holding theTinder stick (45) in a position in which make it easier to work with theTinder stick (45), in order to catch the most possible number of sparksperforming a better and easy way, at moment of light the Tinder stick(45), this element is useful in a manner that works as fuel to catch thesparks from Ferro-rod (10), and promptly ignites to start the fire.According to the present invention.

FIG. 23. Is showing the system, system components and method to howperform a better, fast and easy way to ignite, light and maintain afire; By grabbing the Anchor-clip (05) with one hand and leaving somepart exposed, in which the Ferro-rod (10) is showing in full, therefore,with the other hand holding the Striker (15) by leaving some partexposed, Cord (35) can be tied to the bottom part, preferably throughone of the orifice (55) of the Striker (15) for a better grip, thismeans better control equals better performance and better results; Thenproceeding to place the Striker (10) by setting the long sharp side (65)on top of the Ferro-rod (10) to the nearest end from the user's body,then proceeding to move the Sriker (15) forward, applying some pressureover the Ferro-rod (10), more preferably as a scraping force, whilerunning the Striker (15) all the way to the opposite end of theFerro-rod (10), in order to produce a bigger number of sparks, in which,the Tinder stick (45) is able to catch the most sparks as it ispossible; Once the Tinder stick (45) is lighted, the user can transferthese flames to the suitably flammable material that can be set,preferably on the ground, to start a campfire or bonfire, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot with the firestarter structure coupled therewith. As described above, the presentinvention is particularly useful with outdoor gear such as a hikingboot, but is also useful with various types of outdoor gear e.g. a“webbing strap system” (this new fashion is a series of straps sewn toany outdoor pack: mostly back packs and pouches) as will be apparent tothese in the art.

As seen from the foregoing description, applicant has provided a new anduseful fire starter structure that can be transported by a person (e.g.a hiker) in the wilderness and used to start a fire for that person. Theapplicant has also provided a method for use in the wilderness forstarting a fire.

The fire starter structure comprises a support member configured forattachment to a piece of outdoor gear (e.g. a hiking boot), and thesupport member is coupled with fire starter elements that include a rodthat is designed to produce sparks for initiating a fire and a strikerfor applying friction to the rod to produce sparks. A pouch with tinderis also carried by the footwear, and the support member can be detachedfrom the piece of footwear and the fire starter elements and the tinderutilized to initiate a fire.

The fire starter structure preferably comprises a clip for attachment tothe laced portion of the piece of the hiking boot, the rod is integrallyconnected with the clip, the striker is held against the clip by aretention device (e.g. the chord that overlies the clip and the striker)and the pouch is coupled with the clip by means of an extension of thechord. The chord is at least partially wrapped about a portion of thelaced portion of the piece of footwear. The tinder comprises a mass oftinder material and one or more tinder sticks, and wherein the pouch isconfigured to protect the tinder from environment conditions external tothe piece of footwear.

In a method according to the present invention, the support member andthe chord are configured to be separated from the piece of footwear andformed into a handle for the rod, to facilitate its use in producingsparks for initiating a fire.

Exhibits A, B and C are a series of photographs showing the manner inwhich a Fire-starter's prototype, according to the invention, is formedand used. Exhibit A shows the Fire-starter coupled with a piece ofoutdoor gear that is a “webbing strap system” (this new fashion is aseries of straps sewn to any outdoor pack: mostly back packs andpouches). Exhibits B and C show the Fire-starter coupled with a hikingboot.

Thus, applicant has described here a utility Fire-starter system and arelated assembly method, in which, according to the preferredembodiment, an Anchor-clip piece that has a Ferro-rod coupled morepreferably at the broader bottom, has other removable elements on top,those elements are: Bungee cord that is tied at the bottom of theAnchor-clip, this component holds the Striker in place; some of thiscomponents (preferably all) conform the Assembly 1 of the system. Theelements that are part of Assembly 2 are: A pouch that has a series ofHook and Loop attached, that work as some type of closure to allow thePouch to fold and unfold, this Pouch holds and protect in its interior aseries of Tinder stick, which in turn these are protected inside of apack (more preferably a vacuum sealed bag) these two elements form theTinder pack, another element is the Label this element is useful in amanner that can be use to display some information about theFire-starter (i) system (logotype, a company name, instructions, etc.)more preferably attached to the front of the Pouch. Assembly 1 andAssembly 2 both along with a piece of cord more preferably a Para-cordform the entire Fire-starter system. Assembly (1) can be use itindependently from assembly (2), if the person is consider with someexperience in the field; A person who has no experience at all, in orderto light some fire, it might have to use the assembly (1) in conjunctionwith assembly (2) to increase the possibility to start a fire. With theforegoing disclosure in mind the manner in which a Fire-starter systemcan be designed, assembled and disassembled and its componentsreassembled, into other useful devices will be apparent to those in theart.

1. Fire starter structure comprising a support member configured forattachment to a piece of outdoor gear, the support member coupled withfire starter elements that include a rod that is designed to producesparks for initiating a fire and a striker for applying friction to therod to produce sparks, and a pouch with tinder, wherein the supportmember can be detached from the piece of outdoor gear and the firestarter elements and the tinder utilized to initiate a fire.
 2. The firestarter structure of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises aclip for attachment to a portion of the piece of outdoor gear, the rodis integrally connected with the clip, the striker is held against theclip by a retention device that overlies the clip and the striker, andthe pouch is coupled with the clip by means of the retention device. 3.The fire starter structure of claim 2, wherein the retention devicecomprises a chord that is at least partially wrapped about a portion ofthe laced portion of the piece of footwear.
 4. The fire starterstructure of claim 3, wherein the tinder comprises a mass of tindermaterial and one or more tinder sticks, and wherein the pouch isconfigured to protect the tinder from environment conditions external tothe piece of outdoor gear.
 5. The fire starter structure of claim 4,wherein the clip is configured for attachment to the laced portion of ahiking boot.
 6. The fire starter structure of claim 1, wherein thesupport member and the retention device are configured to be separatedfrom the piece of outdoor gear and formed into a handle for the rod, tofacilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.
 7. Thefire starter structure of claim 6, wherein the clip is configured forattachment to the laced portion of a hiking boot.
 8. A piece of footwearwith coupled fire starter structure, comprising a support memberconfigured for attachment to the piece of footwear, the support membercoupled with fire starter elements that include a rod that is designedto produce sparks for initiating a fire and a striker for applyingfriction to the rod to produce sparks, and a pouch with tinder, whereinthe support member and the tinder can be detached from the piece offootwear and the fire starter elements and tinder utilized to initiate afire.
 9. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure ofclaim 8, wherein the piece of footwear has a laced portion, the supportmember comprises a clip for attachment to the laced portion of the pieceof footwear, the rod is integrally connected with the clip, the strikeris held against the clip by a retention device, and the pouch is coupledwith the clip by means of the retention device.
 10. The piece offootwear and coupled fire starter structure of claim 9, wherein theretention device comprises a chord that is at least partially wrappedabout a portion of the laced portion of the piece of footwear.
 11. Thepiece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure of claim 10,wherein the tinder comprises a mass of tinder material and one or moretinder sticks, and wherein the pouch is configured to protect the tinderfrom the environment external to the piece of footwear.
 12. The piece offootwear and coupled fire starter structure of claim 11, wherein thepiece of footwear comprises a hiking boot with a laced portion, and theclip is configured for attachment to the laced portion of the hikingboot.
 13. The piece of footwear and coupled fire starter structure ofclaim 10, wherein the support member and the chord are configured to beseparated from the piece of footwear and formed into a handle for therod, to facilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.14. A method of starting a fire comprising providing a piece of outdoorgear with coupled fire starter structure, the fire starter structurecomprising a support member configured for attachment to the piece ofoutdoor gear, the support member coupled with fire starter elements thatinclude a rod that is designed to produce sparks for initiating a fireand a striker for applying friction to the rod to produce sparks, andthe piece of outdoor gear carrying a pouch with tinder, detaching thesupport member and the tinder from the piece of outdoor gear and usingthe fire starter elements and tinder to initiate a fire.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the piece of outdoor gear comprises a piece offootwear has a laced portion, the support member comprises a clip forattachment to the laced portion of the piece of footwear, the rod isintegrally connected with the clip, the striker is held against the clipby a retention device, and the pouch is coupled with the clip by meansof the retention device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theretention device comprises a chord that is at least partially wrappedabout a portion of the laced portion of the piece of footwear.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the tinder comprises a mass of tindermaterial and one or more tinder sticks, and wherein the pouch isconfigured to protect the tinder from environment conditions external tothe piece of footwear.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the piece offootwear comprises a hiking boot having a laced portion, and the clip isconfigured for attachment to the laced portion of the hiking boot. 19.The method of claim 16, wherein the support member and the chord areseparated from the piece of footwear and formed into a handle for therod, to facilitate its use in producing sparks for initiating a fire.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the rod is supported by the clip,and the chord is wrapped about a portion of the clip to form the handlefor the rod.